The International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh has issued an arrest warrant for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India. The warrant cites her alleged involvement in mass killings during violent protests earlier this year.
The protests initially started as a student-led movement against public sector job quotas but quickly escalated into some of the deadliest unrest since the country's independence in 1971. The violence resulted in over 700 deaths and numerous injuries, prompting Hasina to flee to India on August 5.
An interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, took charge following Hasina's departure. The tribunal, presided over by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumdar, granted prosecutors' request for arrest warrants for 50 individuals, including Hasina.
Chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam emphasized the need for the arrest of influential individuals to facilitate a thorough investigation. The court ordered Hasina's arrest and directed that she be brought before the tribunal by November 18.
Over 60 complaints have been filed against Hasina and other leaders of her Awami League party, alleging enforced disappearances, murder, and mass killings. Party leaders from the Awami League were not available for immediate comment, as many have either been arrested or are in hiding.
Hasina's son, Sajeeb Wazed, expressed his mother's readiness to face trial in Bangladesh, asserting her innocence. Bangladesh's de-facto foreign minister, Mohammad Touhid Hossain, stated that efforts will be made to bring Hasina back from India within the one-month timeframe set by the court.
He affirmed, 'The tribunal gave one month's time. We will definitely try to bring her back in the meantime, we will do whatever it takes for us.'
